In the aftermath of an Alaska carriers incident on January 5, the Federal Aviation Administration is continuing its assessment of grounded Boeing 737-9 MAX jets and has now ordered carriers to “visually inspect mid-exit door plugs” on Boeing 737-900ER aircraft.
In a statement, the FAA advised owners of Boeing 737-900ER aircraft to examine their aircraft more closely to “make sure the door is properly secured” as “an additional layer of safety.”
“The Boeing 737-900ER is not part of the newer MAX fleet but has the same door plug design,” it stated.
Shortly after Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 lifted off from Portland, Oregon on January 5 and reached 16,000 feet, the door plug on a 737-9 MAX aircraft dislodged. When the plug was removed, the cabin began to lose pressure, ripping a child’s clothing off his body and sucking out cell phones through a large opening.
PASSENGERS SUED ALASKA AIRLINES AND BOEING WHEN DOOR FLEW OFF MIDFLIGHT
On Wednesday, the FAA stated that “All 737-9 MAX aircraft with door plugs will remain grounded pending the FAA’s review and final approval of an inspection and maintenance process that satisfies all FAA safety requirements.”
“Once the FAA approves an inspection and maintenance process, it will be required on every grounded 737-9 MAX prior to future operation,” it stated at the time. “The safety of the flying public, not speed, will determine the timeline for returning these aircraft to service.”